The Daughters of the American Revolution of Michigan raised $20,000 to restore the windows of the historic Brady Lodge in Independence Township’s Bay Court Park.
Dr. Grace Smith, DAR state historian, attended the June 22 Independence Board of Trustees board meeting to present the check to Parks, Recreation and Seniors Director Ken Elwert.
‘We are blessed to have this asset in the community,” Elwert said.
Restoring the windows was a state-wide initiative for DAR, a volunteer women’s service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, American history, and education.
More donations from the group are possible, Elwert said.
DAR entered a Memorandum of Understanding with the township, which includes a provision for the lodge to be reopened to the public within four years. Trustees unanimously approved the agreement.
When it is, a large community room at the lodge will be named the ‘Daughters of the American Revolution of Michigan Room.?
Brady Lodge, located off Andersonville Road, was built in 1921 by George Nexen Brady, whose ancestors fought in the American Revolution.
The building was eventually donated to the Boy Scouts of America. Township Treasurer Paul Brown shared a photo and his story of his first time away from home, camping for a week at the lodge as a Boy Scout.
The township purchased the lodge in 1988 for $500,000, with the help of a grant from the Department of Natural Resources.
In 2012, Ron Campbell estimated cleaning, painting and other restoration work at over $250,000.
In addition to the lodge, the Bay Court Park features a community built playground, a quarter-mile walking trail, nine holes of disc golf, winter outdoor ice skating rink, two picnic shelters, gazebo and indoor room with warming kitchen and restroom facilities.